Consumerism: Childhood and Consumer Goods

Consumerism is a very important aspect in the life of each and every individual. Everyday, people who live in developed countries are faced with endless choices. These choices appear every where in advertisements through television and radio commercials, advertisements posted in public places, magazines, etc. Consumerism takes form in these advertisements that makes us seem imperfect. Their goal is to make us buy products to satisfy ourselves. Children are born into a world of consumerism, asking parents to buy them things just because they want it. Most of us are lured into consumerism one way or another. Consumerism begins early in life; in fact, it begins when a child is born. When a child is brought into this world, parents are faced with endless choices of baby supplies like dippers, milk, clothing, etc. Since parents love their baby, they only want the best for their child. As a child grows, toys are bought and given to the child to play with. Parents are encouraged to buy educational toys and consumer goods to help jumpstart the baby’s understanding of the world (Dale, 2005). Before they learn to talk, children show their interest for a toy by reaching out or grabbing it; children also show a disinterest for a toy by crying or throwing the toy away. As babies, children are busy exploring and interacting with the environment which provides optimal conditions for cognitive development (Walsh, 1990). Babies are typically interested in something that isn’t familiar to them. Since there are a variety of toys, babies tend to go through toys like they go through dippers. This is good for industries or companies with consumer products because subconsciously, the babies are picking and choosing. As babies become toddlers, they learn to walk and talk. It is at this stage where they become very repetitive and annoying. Toddlers tend to want almost everything they see. If another sibling has a certain toy, they toddler will want it. It is also at this age

References: Brym, R.J. (2008). New society (5th ed.). United States of America: Thomson Canada Limited. Dale, S. (2005). Candy from strangers: Kids & Consumer Culture. Vancouver, BC: New Star Books. De Grazia, V. (1996). The sex of things: Gender and consumption in historical perspective Harris, D. (2000). Cute, quaint, hungry, and romantic: The aesthetics of consumerism Heath, J. (2004). Nation of rebels: Why counterculture became consumer culture.New York: HarperBusiness. Walsh, D. (1990). Designer kids, consumerism and competition: When is it all too much? United States of America: Deaconess Press. Ritzer, G. (2001). Explorations in the sociology of consumption: Fast food, credit cards and casinos